American Board of Surgery Statement on Assessment and Robotic Surgery

[...]for urologic oncology, the number of robotic procedures was greater than open surgery. Other authors have found no significant differences in outcomes between standard laparoscopic and robotic surgery11–13 In rectal surgery for cancer, some investigators have shown that compared to laparoscopic surgery, robotic rectal resection is associated with decreased likelihood of successful oncologic resection.14 At this point, there is no consensus supporting the superiority of robotic surgery for procedures within the realm of the specialties represented by the American Board of Surgery.Score The subject of “Robotic Surgery Principles” has been included in the ABS SCORE curriculum and is designated a “Core” knowledge content.Education and training committee recommendations Robotic surgery is not a discipline on its own, rather it is an enabling technology. Elements of robotic surgery are considered either core or advanced in the ABS SCORE Curriculum. [...]knowledge and skills in robotic surgery can and should be assessed in ITE and QE, CE, or even CCA, as deemed appropriate by each subspecialty board.